Belgium’s federal police are opening a judicial investigation into Flemish liberal Euro MP Hilde Vautmans (Open VLD/Renew Europe Group). The move comes following a request by the European Public Prosecutor's Office. Flemish weekly Knack brought out the news that has been confirmed to VRT NWS. The investigation focuses on alleged misuse of European funds.
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Flemish liberal Euro MP Hilde Vautmans under investigation for misuse of funds
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Former employees of Ms Vautmans told Knack in May that they had to take on assignments unrelated to her job in the European Parliament. That is illegal.
The European prosecutor's office then asked Belgium’s federal police to draw up an official report based on the available information. Earlier this month, the prosecutor’s office received that official report and judged that there were sufficient elements to start a judicial investigation, the European prosecutor's office said.
Ms Vautmans denies allegations
The judicial investigation, led by the federal police's Central Department for Combating Organised Economic and Financial Crime, is permitting the questioning of Ms Vautmans' former employees.
According to Knack, Ms Vautmans, who was re-elected as an MEP in the 9 June elections, denies the allegations made by her former employees and stresses that none of them have filed a complaint.
"Parliament confirmed to me that all my spending of European funds was done strictly in accordance with the rules that apply," Ms Vautmans said.
Ms Vautmans seeks to be heard earliest
Responding to news agency Belga, Ms Vautmans said she "has no knowledge" of the investigation, "except from what I have just learned through the press". "If it is confirmed that an investigation is under way, it signifies the secrecy of the investigation has been violated. In the past I already refuted these allegations," she stated.
"If an investigation is really under way, I am happy to cooperate fully with it. That is why I insist on being heard as soon as possible," Ms Vautmans concludes.